Town of Louisiana v. Hardin
Town of Louisiana v. Hardin
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the Court.
The Corporation of Louisiana brought an action of debt before a justice of the peace, against William C. Hardin, for a violation of an ordinance passed by the board of trustees, entitled “An ordinance to define and prohibit certain nuisances,” &c. The Corporation having failed to appear and prosecute, judgment by default was rendered against her, from which an appeal was taken to the circuit court, where the defendant, Hardin, filed his motion to dismiss the case, fortb¿ reason that the justice of the peace had no jurisdiction, and because there are different and distinct charges contained in the same compMnf against the defendant.
The Circuit Court sustained the motion and dismissed the case, to which opinion the corporation excepted ar*d has brought the case tcíthis Court by writ of error.
The only question raised in tluv Court is, had the justice of the peace
Taking the two acts together, we are of opinion that the Recorder is substituted, by the special act, for the justice of the peace under the general act, and that so far the general act is “altered.” There is no reason to suppose, that the General Assembly intended to give the Recorder concurrent jurisdiction with justices of the peace; the statute is silent on the subject. Nor can any necessity exist, requiring the creation of another judicial officer, to enforce the ordinances of a small town, when there are already four justices of the peace in office, delegated with all the necessary powers. But there may be a propriety in creating the office of Recorder, the incumbent to be an officer of the corporation, elected by the inhabitants thereof,- and amenable to them for the faithful discharge of his duties, and whose especial duty it is made to enforce the ordinances of the corporation.
Therefore, the judgment of the Circuit Court ought to be affirmed,
the same is affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- THE TOWN OF LOUISIANA v. HARDIN
- Cited By
- 1 case
- Status
- Published